Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati Convertible unveiled

[Wimbledon]

What a beautiful car...too bad we will not get this edition in the US.

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/02/new...erati.html

Carscoop Wrote:Some three years after Fiat's Abarth division collaborated with Ferrari for the creation of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, the Italian company is heading to the Geneva Salon with yet another special edition of the 500 that pays homage to one of the Group's premium brands, the Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati.

Whereas the Ferrari inspired model is based on the tin-top Abarth 500, the Maserati-flavored variant is offered exclusively in convertible form, though the term is somewhat misleading as the open-top model features a canvas top that rolls back but keeps the roof rails intact – something like a huge sunroof.

The inspiration for Abarth's 695 Tributo Maserati comes from the GranTurismo with the Italian automaker trying to apply some the latter's sporty attributes and stylish elements to its city car.

Powering the special edition model is a 1.4-liter Turbo T-Jet 16v petrol engine boosted to 180-horsepower that's coupled to an automated five-speed manual transmission fitted with steering wheel controls.

Abarth says it has beefed up the braking system with 305 mm Brembo discs squeezed by four-piston calipers while the up-rated suspension comes with new shock absorbers.

The exterior of the Fiat 500-based car has been glamorized with a bespoke to this edition Pontevecchio Bordeaux color sourced directly from Maserati, which also provided the design for the 17-inch alloy wheels shod in low profile performance tires. At the back, we also find new hexagonal tailpipes that mimic the styling of Maserati's exhaust outlets.

The customization continues inside with a pair of sport seats upholstered entirely in sand beige Poltrona Frau leather, while the dashboard and gearbox surround feature a special matt-finish carbon lining.

The special edition Abarth model also gets a two-tone leather sports steering wheel, bespoke instrument panel gauges by Jaeger, aluminum pedals and a carbon fibre kick plate with "Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati" graphics.

Abarth said that production of the 695 Tributo Maserati will be restricted to 499 units with more details on availability and pricing to be after the car's world premiere at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon.

[ej25Ti]

ugh... sigh

[S30Z]

I actually like it! I love the color combo...

I would drive it.